The Golden Bachelorette star Joan Vassos went on her first dates of the season during episode 2, and some of the men have a better chance of winning her heart in the end than others. Joan, a 61-year-old private school administrator from Rockville, Maryland, began her season with 24 men. The mother of four and grandmother of three is searching for the next great love of her life after she lost her husband of 32 years, John, to pancreatic cancer in 2021.
During The Golden Bachelorette season 1 episode 2, Joan had two group dates and a one-on-one date. The group dates were an ’80s prom and the Second Annual Golden Talent Showcase talent show, while Joan went to Disneyland with Chock Chapple for her one-on-one date. Instead of a rose ceremony cocktail party, Joan opted for a more casual barbecue. Although all of Joan’s 14 remaining men are wonderful, some have a better chance of winning her heart in the end than others. Here is their ranking based on who has the best chance of ending the season with Joan, and who will probably go home soon.
1 Chock Chapple – The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestant
Joan Chose Chock For Her First One-On-One Date
Joan chose Chock, a 60-year-old insurance executive from Wichita, Kansas, for her first one-on-one date. Chock had caught Joan’s attention on premiere night when he brought her some chicken soup that he’d made for her to taste. Joan explained that she chose Chock for her first one-on-one date in Disneyland because she knew that he was a good man, but she wanted to see if he could have fun too. Joan and Chock had a fantastic time enjoying the rides and food and bonding over their shared interests, such as fishing.
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During the evening portion of the date, Joan and Chock had an elegant dinner at 21 Royal, an exclusive Disneyland restaurant. Chock opened up to Joan about his first marriage, which lasted 12 years and gave him his two children, but ended in divorce. Three years later, he met Kathy, his fiancée, with whom he was in a relationship for nine years. Tragically, Kathy died in 2022, five months and four days after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.
Joan and Chock bonded about how their late spouses had both told them to find love after they were gone. Chock then told Joan that she reminded him of Kathy, which she was very honored to hear. Joan gave Chock the date rose, and they shared a kiss. It was a truly magical date at the Happiest Place on Earth, in which they had so much fun. Chock is definitely the frontrunner to win Joan’s heart in the end because of his kind heart.
2 Jonathan Rone – The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestant
Joan Named Jonathan The Prom King & Gave Him The Group Date Rose
Jonathan, a 61-year-old shipping consultant from Oakland, Iowa, was ecstatic to be a participant in the ’80s prom group date. He didn’t attend his own senior prom because he’d asked a girl to go with him, and she’d said yes, only to change her mind and back out. He was the only student of color at his high school. When Jonathan opened up to Joan about this, he admitted that it completely destroyed his ego. However, he added that this prom healed his heart.
Joan eventually chose Jonathan to be the Prom King, which meant that he received the group date rose. They shared a dance, and she said that she felt special in his arms. Joan gushed that Jonathan is a good man, and she could possibly picture a future with him. Joan and Jonathan obviously share a deep connection, and he has a great chance of making it to the end of the season with her because of his sincere personality.
3 Mark Anderson – The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestant
Joan & Mark Shared Some Kisses
Mark, a 57-year-old Army veteran from Leesville, Louisiana, became a Bachelor Nation fan favorite when he appeared on The Bachelor season 28 because he’s Joey Graziadei’s fiancée Kelsey Anderson’s dad. Now he’s stealing Joan’s heart on The Golden Bachelorette. Joan was so happy to see Mark on premiere night, and their connection has grown immensely since then. They share a similar story, as they both lost their spouses, and they both value their families above everything else.
During The Golden Bachelorette barbecue, Joan and Mark had some one-on-one time, during which he told her that he learned German while he was stationed in Germany for 11 years. He played a game with Joan in which she had to try to guess what certain German sentences meant. The last one translated to, “Can I kiss you?”Joan said that Mark could kiss her, and she told him that he could’ve said it in English too. Mark gushed in his confessional that they kissed twice. It was a very romantic moment that established the shy, sweet, and sensitive suitor as a favorite to win The Golden Bachelorette.
4 Dan Roemer – The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestant
Joan Chose Dan As The Winner Of The Second Annual Golden Talent Showcase
Dan, a 64-year-old private investor from Naples, Florida, was a participant in the talent show group date. Like Joan during the Golden Bachelor talent show, Dan was extremely nervous about performing on stage, especially because he has a familial tremor, which causes his hands to shake. However, he embraced the challenge, and performed a ribbon dance routine, which he told the audience was perfect for his shaky hands.
Joan declared that Dan was the winner of the talent show, which meant that they’d share a one-on-one dinner together. During their one-on-one time, Dan revealed to Joan that he’s diabetic, and, ten years earlier, he’d become so sick that all of his organs began to fail. A doctor even told him that he only had six months to live. Dan said that it was a wake-up call for him, so he stepped away from work, and chose to focus on his health.
Thankfully, Dan is in good health today, and he told Joan that he feels that everything is more meaningful to him. In addition, he said that he finds things a lot funnier because “life is really funny.”Joan gave Dan the group date rose, and they then shared a dance and a kiss. Dan’s sensitive nature and kind personality make him a perfect match for Joan. After this date, he has an excellent chance of receiving her final rose.
5 Gary Levingston – The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestant
Joan Gave Gary A Special Gift
Gary, a 65-year-old retired finance executive from Palm Desert, California, made a special connection with Joan because of his big personality and sweet demeanor. He was a participant at the ’80s prom, during which he revealed to Joan that he’s legendary singer Tina Turner’s godson. They had a wonderful time dancing the night away together.
During the barbecue, Gary and Joan bonded about their love for their grandchildren. Gary told her that he’s excited to coach his grandchildren’s sports teams. Joan then excused herself to get something. Gary was blown away when Joan gave him a gift of a framed photograph of them at the prom. He cried tears of joy in his confessional as he said that it meant a lot to him. Joan and Gary even have cute nicknames for each other, Sunshine and Goldie, because of the gold jacket that he wore to the prom. If Gary and Joan continue down this path, they might make a lasting connection.
6 Charles Ling – The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestant
Joan & Charles Bonded About The Losses Of Their Spouses
Charles L., a 66-year-old retired financial analyst from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a shy demeanor, but, during the ’80s prom, he opened up to Joan about the sudden loss of his wife six years ago. He told Joan that he’s been very sad, but a year or two ago, his daughters tried to help him by telling him that it was okay to be sad, but not for the rest of his life. Joan was very understanding and could relate to him. Charles L. later said in his confessional that the prom was the happiest day of his life since his wife passed away.
Joan and Charles L. then danced the night away. Although it seems that they’re forming more of a strong friendship than a romantic connection, Joan and Charles L. definitely have a deep bond. Their shared tragedies of the passings of their spouses helped them to understand each other. Charles L. is one of the most genuine people ever to appear in a Bachelor Nation show.
7 Keith Gordon – The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestant
Joan Gave Keith Her First Impression Rose
Keith, a 62-year-old girl dad from San Jose, California, received Joan’s first impression rose during premiere night. She loved when he pulled up to the Bachelor Mansion in an old-fashioned station wagon, and later how they bonded about their love for their families and the beach. She said that she felt safe with him, which is something that she hadn’t felt since the passing of her husband. Keith also received Joan’s first and only premiere night kiss.
However, during The Golden Bachelorette season 1 episode 2, Joan wasn’t shown interacting much with Keith. He attended the ’80s prom, but he didn’t have much screen time. This could be a bad sign for Joan and Keith’s relationship, especially because the show usually likes to build stories if certain people make it to the end. Joan formed deeper connections with some of the other men during episode 2, so, although Keith received Joan’s first impression rose, he might not receive her last.
8 Pascal Ibgui – The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestant
Joan Has An Upcoming One-On-One Date With Pascal
Pascal, a 69-year-old French salon owner who currently lives in Chicago, Illinois, participated in the group date talent show. He showcased his hairstyling abilities by using a wig to demonstrate a haircut. During the barbecue, Pascal showed Joan his closet in the Bachelor Mansion, which he jokingly lamented is too small for all of his designer belongings. He and Joan laughed about the guys’ living quarters.
Although Pascal didn’t have too much one-on-one interaction with Joan in episode 2, the previews for episode 3 revealed that he’ll receive a one-on-one date. During the romantic date, they shared a kiss, and Pascal said that it’s a fairy tale, and how can someone not fall in love. Pascal’s biggest moments with Joan are coming up soon, and it seems as though they’ll form a very deep connection.
9 Kim Buike – The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestant
Kim Wrote & Sang A Special Song For Joan
Kim, a 69-year-old retired Navy captain from Seattle, Washington, seems very tough on the outside, but inside, he’s sweet and romantic. During the group date talent show, Kim sang Joan an original song, which greatly impressed her. She even gave him a kiss on the lips in front of everyone. However, when it came time to choose the winner of the talent show, she chose Dan instead, which greatly disappointed him.
At the barbecue, Kim showed Joan his family photographs, including one of him and his late wife, which she loved to see. He said in his confessional that he understands that Joan is still in love with her late husband, and she understands that he’s still in love with his late wife. However, he added that that doesn’t keep them from opening their hearts up to more love. Perhaps Joan and Kim will get more one-on-one time in the future because their potential for romance seems to be pretty high.
10 Jordan Heller – The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestant
Joan & Jordan Share A Special Bond
Jordan, a 61-year-old senior sales executive from Chicago, Illinois, has shared some sweet moments with Joan, in which they’ve bonded about their families. He even gave her a sweatshirt for her granddaughter during premiere night. They also played pickleball. Jordan is a thoughtful man, and he and Joan always smile and have a great time whenever they’re around each other.
Jordan attended the ’80s prom, during which Joan was impressed to hear that Jordan went on a date with Taylor Dayne five years ago. Taylor provided some of the music for the prom. Even though Jordan and Joan haven’t yet had their big moment, there’s definitely chemistry between them. In addition, they share a love for their families that runs very deep. However, if Jordan doesn’t get some quality one-on-one time with Joan soon, he might not receive another rose.
11 Guy Gansert – The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestant
Joan & Guy Got To Know Each Other Better
Guy, a 66-year-old emergency room doctor from Reno, Nevada, was a participant in the ’80s prom group date. He wowed Joan with his dance moves. Guy seems like a lot of fun, but he and Joan are going to need a great deal more time together in order for him to catch up to the other men’s relationships.
During The Golden Bachelorette season 1 premiere, Joan told Guy that he was very handsome. He then sprayed cologne on his wrist, hoping that she would remember him by his scent. They didn’t have much more interaction than that, but Joan did say that Guy made a significant impression on her. Perhaps she’s going to give him a one-on-one date, or some quality time on a group date, soon. Guy and Joan need that one-on-one time to really bond.
12 Charles King – The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestant
Joan & Charles Don’t Have A Strong Connection
Charles K., a 62-year-old portfolio manager from Rancho Palos Verdes, California, is a wonderful man, but he simply hasn’t had as much time with Joan as the other men. During The Golden Bachelorette season 1 episode 2, Charles K. participated in the talent show group date, during which he broke a board, accidentally punching Gregg, who was holding it, in the ribs. Charles K. had previously showcased his athletic skills during the premiere episode, when he emerged from the limousine with a cane, but then tossed it aside and did push-ups.
During the rose ceremony, when Joan gave Charles K. his rose, she called him by his nickname, C.K., which indicated that they might’ve had more interaction than was shown in the episode. However, based on how far ahead many of the other men are in their relationships with Joan, it’s probable that she might be saying goodbye to Charles K. sooner than later.
13 Gregg Lassen – The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestant
Joan & Gregg Haven’t Interacted Much
Gregg is a 64-year-old retired university vice president from Longboat Key, Florida. Unfortunately, during The Golden Bachelorette season 1 episode 2, Gregg’s storyline was about Pascal asking him to do his laundry and his loud snoring, rather than his relationship with Joan. Gregg kicked off the group date talent show with a stand-up comedy routine that had everyone laughing.
Although Joan and Gregg weren’t shown having any significant conversations, she obviously sees something in him that prompted her to give him a rose at the rose ceremony. He seems like a good man, but his contact with her has been very minimal. Perhaps Joan and Gregg will bond more in the future. However, the fact that Gregg is being used by the producers primarily as comic relief could be a bad sign that his days at the Bachelor mansion are numbered.
14 Gil Ramirez – The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestant
A Golden Bachelorette Source Has Hinted At An Early Exit For Gil
During the Golden Bachelorette barbecue, Gil, a 60-year-old educator from Mission Viejo, California, opened up to Joan about the 2019 death of his wife. He tearfully spoke to Joan about how, when his son graduated from high school and college, she wasn’t there. Gil and Joan also bonded about how their late spouses both loved the Bachelor franchise shows.
However, when People broke the news that Gil’s ex-girlfriend had filed a temporary restraining order against him in June 2024 after his Golden Bachelorette background check was completed, a source close to the show revealed that the producers had “further edited his already limited screen time and minimized him in promotional assets moving forward.” Gil’s ex-girlfriend alleged, “Despite telling him to not contact me, come to my house — he made repeated unwanted contact with me, family members and friends.”
The case has now been dismissed, and the temporary restraining order was dropped. Of course, this information came to light after filming wrapped, but, if Gil had limited screen time, then he must not have made it far in the series. Based on the Golden Bachelorette source’s statement, it seems that Gil didn’t win Joan’s heart.
The Golden Bachelorette cast’s remaining 14 men all have the potential to end up in a relationship with or engaged to Joan. She has truly phenomenal contestants. However, some have stronger connections with her than others. There’s a long journey ahead of them, as this was only episode 2, so things could definitely change in the coming weeks. Hopefully, Joan found the man of her dreams during The Golden Bachelorette, and they lived happily ever after.
The Golden Bachelorette
airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
Sources: Bachelor Nation/YouTube, Bachelor Nation/YouTube, Bachelor Nation/YouTube, Bachelor Nation/YouTube, Bachelor Nation/YouTube, People
